WEIGHT ALLOWANCES
NOTE: The Secretary concerned may authorize a higher weight allowance (not to exceed [NTE] 18,000 pounds) of a member below pay grade O-6, but only on a case-by-case basis. The Secretary may increase the member's PCS weight allowance if the Secretary determines that failure to increase the member's weight allowance would create a significant hardship to the member or the member's dependents NOTE 1: Includes a Uniformed Service regular and Reserve Component member, and an officer holding a temporary commission in the U.S. Army/Air Force.NOTE 2: For this table, a member “with dependents” is a member who has a dependent eligible to travel at Government expense incident to the member’s PCS. Actual dependent travel has no bearing. Incident to a member’s first PCS after:1. The death(s) of all of the member's dependent(s), or2. A divorce that leaves the member with no dependent(s) eligible to travel at Government expense, the member has the weight allowance of a member “with dependents”.NOTE 3: A member appointed from an:1. Enlisted/warrant officer grade to a commissioned officer grade, or2. Enlisted grade to a warrant officer grade or rating is authorized the grade’s weight allowance:a. Held on the member's PCS authorization/order effective date used for HHG transportation, orb. From which an appointment was accepted, whichever is greater.3. Upon reversion, the member is authorized the weight allowance of the grade held:a. On the member's PCS authorization/order effective date then being used for HHG transportation, orb. Before reversion, whichever is greater.NOTE 4: A member selected as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sergeant Major of the Army, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard is authorized a weight allowance of:1. 17,000 pounds with dependents or, 2. 14,000 pounds without dependents. for a PCS authorization/order issued on or after receiving notice of selection to that position and for the remainder of the military career. NOTE 1: Includes a Regular member, a member of a Uniformed Service Reserve Component, and an officer holding a temporary commission in the Army/Air Force of the United States.NOTE 2: The Secretarial process may authorize additional weight up to 2,000 pounds (up to 4,000 pounds total) for the Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard. NOTE 3: A member selected as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sergeant Major of the Army, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, or Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, who requires a TDY weight allowance of HHG, is authorized a weight allowance of 800 pounds for a TDY authorization/order issued on or after receiving notice of selection to that position and for the remainder of the military career. 2. You, not your TO or TSP, are responsible for staying within your authorized weight allowance. If the weight of items packed, shipped, or stored exceeds your weight allowance, you are financially responsible for the payment of all charges connected with excess weight in accordance with (IAW) your Service guidance/regulations. 3. For this reason, estimating the weight of your HHG is very important. Estimates should start early, even before you visit your TO or before you prepare your application to ship and or store personal property in DPS. The counselor at your TO requires an estimated weight for each shipment you intend to make. 4. An easy and usually dependable method for making this estimate is to figure 1,000 pounds per room (not including storage rooms or bathrooms), then add the estimated weight of large appliances and items in the garage, storage rooms, basement, etc. An optional method is to use the “Weight Estimator” 5. Weight Estimates Not Official: a. Weight estimates are not official; they are planning tools only. You can never use weight estimates to refute excess weight charges. 6. Excess Weight Can Cost Big Money: a. Exceeding your authorized weight allowance on a move can cost you a lot of money. Charges for excess weight can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. 7. Verify Accuracy of Excess Cost: a. The way to avoid excess weight charges is to stay within your authorized weight allowance by estimating early and disposing of unnecessary possessions. When you receive a notification for exceeding your weight allowance, check it carefully. Often you may not have received credit for PBP&E/PRO-Gear. The estimated weight of PBP&E/PRO-Gear must be declared in MilMove or DPS. 8. Request for Reweigh: a. The TO at origin or destination can authorize a reweigh of your personal property shipment at your request at no cost to you. This ensures a reweigh of your personal property is completed or scheduled prior to accepting delivery. If you are available when your shipment is reweighed, you have the right to witness the reweigh and/or request to see the reweigh tickets for verification. 9. Overseas Weight Limitations: a. Some overseas areas impose administrative weight restrictions. If the area to which you are assigned provides Government furniture, for example, the Government may impose an administrative weight restriction, which would prevent you from shipping your full JTR weight allowance overseas. In these cases, a member is limited to HHG transportation of 2,500 pounds (net) or, 25 percent (net) of the member’s authorized weight allowance whichever is greater, plus UB transportation. If both spouses are members and are assigned to the same Outside Continental United States (OCONUS) area where they jointly occupy quarters, they are limited to one administrative weight allowance, based on the higher ranking member’s weight allowance; however, each is authorized individually to UB transportation, PBP&E/PRO-Gear, and required medical equipment. The counselor at your TO can provide information on weight-restricted areas.
Air National Guard: Retired There are numerous steps in the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process. Through various agencies the Department of the Air Force provides guidance and counseling to assist Service members and their Families in making the best choices. Retired Air National Guard Service members may be eligible for a government funded move. If the Service members last assignment was on AGR status. Permissive TDY - For separation or retirement relocation activities such as job search or residence search and is eligible under DAFI 36-3009, Military and Family Readiness Centers. Losing commander may approve up to 20 days for CONUS based members unless to do so would interfere with the military mission. A member can request excess leave in lieu of PTDY, but not both. Submit an AF Form 988 to request PTDY. Moving Services and Transportation - Moving services cannot be arranged using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). They must be arranged in person at your local Traffic Management Office (TMO). MilitaryOnesource is also available to help service members, their families, and anyone moving with the military to get organized for your move. Provide the following at time of counseling:
Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly called Do It Yourself (DITY) The PPM program allows you to personally move HHG and either be reimbursed up to the Government’s cost or to collect an incentive payment from the Government. The TMO must provide counseling and prior approval for a PPM move. Failing to comply with Service requirements of the program may limit payment or result in complete denial of your claim. Weight estimator Short Distance Moves If you were living on base and your housing agreement requires you to move out of government quarters before you can determine your home of selection , you are authorized a short distance HHG move from the government quarters to a local temporary residence in the vicinity of the vacated quarters. The usual rank-based weight limits do not apply to this "local move" out of government quarters. This local move does not count as your retirement move, but you will need a memo from the garrison housing office providing the funding citation to be used for the move. If you have any questions, your local personal property office can help you figure out the right steps. Weight Allowance To estimate weight of your personal belongings use a weight estimator calculator. Professional Books, Papers, and Equipment / Professional Gear (PBP&E) Allowance PBP&E allowances limit PBP&E/Pro-Gear to 2,000 pounds net weight and no longer include personal computers and accompanying equipment, and/or awards presented for significant contributions while performing official duties. PBP&E/Pro-Gear is defined as:
Excluded from PBP&E/Pro-Gear are:
Storage Unlike some PCS moves, you are only allowed ONE of the following options:
OR
What to expect from your Transportation Service Provider (TSP) TSP’s Responsibilities (at Origin):
TSP’s Responsibilities (at Destination):
NOTE: It is not advisable to waive unpacking at any time during the delivery. However, if unpacking is waived, the TSP is not required to return later to unpack or remove debris Claims - Unfortunately, you may suffer loss or damage to your personal property during movement. If your property is lost or damaged, you have the right to file a claim directly with the TSP. First you must give written notice to the TSP that you intend to file a claim you can do this ether at delivery or afterwards.
Next, within 9 months from the delivery date you must file a claim with DPS. Log on to DPS and click on "Start my Loss and Damage Report". Have as much information as possible regarding each item listed in your claim to include: manufacturer, inventory item number, cost at purchase and year of purchase. Also include a description of the damage and repair or replacement estimate. Once your claim is submitted the TSP must confirm receipt of your claim within 15 calendar days. The TSP is responsible for assessing the value of your property and may inspect the damaged property, repair items, or pick up any items damaged beyond repair. If a claim is filed directly with the TSP within 9 months of delivery, then the TSP’s maximum liability on each domestic HHG is:
For direct claims settlement between member and TSP:
A member has the option to transfer the claim to the military claims service after 30 days. In these instances, the military claims office pays the member depreciated value and then pursues the FRV claim with the TSP. After settlement with the TSP, if the FRV settlement exceeds the amount paid by the military claims service to the member, the member receives the difference. Accepting a Claim Offer The TSP will provide you with an itemized listing of their offer for each item. You can accept or make a counter offer for each item listed. You may be offered a cash payment or having an item replaced in lieu of cash. You will submit your final offer acceptances into DPS to complete the process. Inconvenience Claims An Inconvenience Claim is paid by the TSP when they fail to meet the required pickup and delivery dates for your PCS. You must meet the following conditions you may be eligible for an Inconvenience claim.
TSP should notify you within a few days of the delivery date if there is an expected delay with your shipment. Download the DP3 Shipment Inconvenience Claim Form and contact your Transportation Office is you believe you are owed an Inconvenience claim. For household good shipments picked up after May 15, 2020 instead of submitting receipts for the first 7 days of meals you have the option to receive 100% reimbursement of the local per diem for meals and incidental expenses. If your expenses were more than per diem, you can choose to submit receipts and be reimbursed 100% of your out of pocket costs. Monetary Allowances and Subsidies Travel Advances: Retirees can receive 80% of travel entitlement amount. Submit your requests at the Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO). Travel Voucher SmartVoucher can be used to make filling in your DD Form 1351-2 easier. Sending in vouchers that are legible, correct and include all the necessary information and documents is the first step in getting your travel claim paid promptly. After you have sent your voucher, check your claim status online at: https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/travelpay/checkvoucherstatus/ Documents to include when claiming entitlements:
Travel Settlement - Retirees have 1 year after retirement or 4 yearly written extension requests to transportation settlement. Mail your Settlement Travel/PPM Vouchers for Separations and Retirements Travel Vouchers (DD Form 1351-2) to: DFAS-ROME Attn: Travel Operations 325 Brooks Road Rome, NY 13441 Fax: 317-275-0277 Personally Procured Move (PPM) claims must be sent to the last Transportation Office for processing. The Transportation Office will submit the package to DFAS Rome for payment. Be sure to include all required documentation; DD1351-2, DD2278, a copy of orders, weight tickets and all receipts. Privately-Owned Vehicles: When you separate or retire from military service, you drive or ship your vehicle(s) at your own expense, just like with many CONUS PCS moves. There are no mileage, per diem, or "inability to drive" allowances. |